Dave T.

Well, it's sure not Suffix! However, other than noise, I've been impressed with the Suffix otherwise, and the noise doesn't really bother me. As a matter of fact, it sounds pretty cool when a big fish is taking line. I'm in the process of comparing the new Fireline Braid against the Suffix. No question that the Fireline is quieter, but the verdict is still out for me on which one is best when weighing all factors.

Yep, I have a couple of the needle nose bottles. They work great. Too much oil can sometimes do as much hard as good. With those bottles, it's easy to put just enough to lubricate without attracting a lot of dirt.

Yes, great article. Fortunately, we are able to fish sections of the river that have been impacted minimally. Hopefully, over time, the disease may disappear.

LOL... I'm one of those who is saying "save a few more bucks up", and get an LTB... you won't be sorry.... love the "blue rod".

I picked up a brand new Pflueger Supreme for $80. I wanted a high speed retrieve. Pretty darn nice reel for that price. If you don't mind a slower retrieve speed, I would go with a Tierra. Extremely high quality reel for the price... which you can probably find for $120

Berkley makes Fireline, and Fireline Braid. Power Pro is it's own brand name owned by Shimano. Anyhow, I use 20/6 Suffix, and I seem to catch a lot of fish on it in all types of water conditions. However, I do agree that for finesse fishing in gin clear water, a line that's nearly invisible would probably be beneficial.

Man-oh-man... I'm drolling! AWESOME smallies!

Actually, it sounds like the naysayers were correct, and E21 confirms it. Great that the company is going to stand behind their product... as they should. They also "say" that they are going to rectify a problem... and yet they don't don't what the problem is??? Whatever the case, I hope they do resolve the issue. Competition is a good thing for us consumers. However, I'm not buying an ORANGE rod, no matter who makes it!

Keep in mind that my list is for river smallies... Trick Sticks, Lucky Strike Flash Minnow, 3 1/2" tubes... in that order. Of course, that's "this weeks" list.

Never had a problem with any Gammies. Can't ever remember seeing a turned point or broken hook either. With that said, I'm going to give Owners a try if I can pick them up locally.

I got a spool of the 15/4 for one of my smallmouth rods. Used it on two outings so far, and it seems to working nicely.

Yep, that one got tossed around pretty good... http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1247542935

Raul, Value your opinion highly... why do you feel the Avid is a better rod? Like Hitch, I plan on getting a little lighter power spinning rod than my MF LE. I was also comparing the Crucial to the Avid. So, can you elaborate on why you prefer the Avid?

Awesome! If that a MF or XF?

Well, I didn't see your previous answer, but yes, it was a rhetorical question. I guess what he meant to say was "All I ever wanted to do was build the best available rods for everyone... as long as I'm FILTHY RICH first." Kind of turns me off about his "new" rods.

That sucks man... apparently you got the ones made from the bad batch of carrots.

Seems kind of strange with all the bad press they've been getting lately... don't you think?

Yep, been reading about this. It is certainly good news for Loomis fans, but probably isn't thrilling the folks at Shimano. Just curious, if Gary felt that way, anybody know why did he sell the company in the first place?

Great! Just what I need... more lures and plastic baits. Looking forward to the pics.

I couldn't agree more. I have a 7' St Croix LE MF, and my son has a 6 1/2' Crucial MF. Both are fantastic smallmouth rods. The taper and build of his Crucial handles slightly smaller lures better than mine. Mine handles slightly larger lures better. We wade the river, so we can only take one rod most of the time. Those rods handle about 95% of our needs. If I could take two, I would also have a 6 1/2' to 7' ML rod. Of course, if I was fishing out of a boat in both the river or a lake, I would also have a MH casting setup.

BOOYAH! I have no idea, but I always wanted to say that. Seriously, my buddy fishes them for in a small pond that we have nearby and loves them. I think he said he likes all the colors, as long as they are black. Most of my fishing is for smallies in the river, so I don't get into jigs much.

The XML's are excellent rods... and if the one(s) you want are on sale right now... you'll be getting a "steal".

When all else on the rack fails... I bet the grenade will work.

I like it! One can never have too much "stuff".

Same here... rain just about every day. We haven't been able to wade the river for about 3 weeks. However, that situation down in Texas is pretty sever. Sure hope you get some rain (and cool weather) soon fishfordollars.